[Aggressiveness in humans]

Aggressiveness is a deeply-rooted feature of human biology. Its underlying mechanisms can be analysed doctrinally from the biological standpoint, in the light of physiological, clinical and pharmacological data, the ecological standpoint, wherein comparison is made with the behaviour patterns observed in animals, and the psychological standpoint, which is strongly influenced by psychoanalysis theory in explaining the reasons for aggressive behaviour. Reference is also made to the form taken by aggressiveness in children, adults and persons with neurological and mental diseases. The ways in which pathological aggressiveness can be treated are discussed.